EP3691759A1 - Airbag compartment enclosure assembly - Google Patents
Airbag compartment enclosure assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- EP3691759A1 EP3691759A1 EP18865204.4A EP18865204A EP3691759A1 EP 3691759 A1 EP3691759 A1 EP 3691759A1 EP 18865204 A EP18865204 A EP 18865204A EP 3691759 A1 EP3691759 A1 EP 3691759A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- airbag
- compartment
- closure device
- enclosure assembly
- opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B33/00—Devices for allowing seemingly-dead persons to escape or draw attention; Breathing apparatus for accidentally buried persons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B1/00—Horizontal bars
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B29/00—Apparatus for mountaineering
- A63B29/02—Mountain guy-ropes or accessories, e.g. avalanche ropes; Means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C2009/0023—Particular features common to inflatable life-saving equipment
Definitions
- This disclosure generally relates to deployable airbags for use in snow or avalanche safety equipment. Specifically, it relates to closure devices for avalanche airbag assemblies.
- Avalanche safety is a major concern for backcountry snow sports enthusiasts. Safety gear that helps a user avoid burial in an avalanche is therefore highly beneficial and potentially life-saving.
- One type of avalanche safety equipment is an avalanche airbag carried or worn by the user. When deployed, the avalanche airbag inflates rapidly to effectively increase the volume of the user and thus keep the user near the surface of an avalanche slide. Prior to deployment, the airbag is stored in a compartment carried or worn by the user.
- a design challenge for avalanche airbags is securing the airbag in the compartment during normal activity, while also allowing the airbag to exit the compartment rapidly during deployment.
- One known closure mechanism relies on hook-and-loop fasteners, but the strength and effectiveness of these fasteners varies when they accumulate moisture or ice/snow and decreases with repeated use.
- Another existing closure mechanism is a specialty zipper that opens under the pressure of the deployed airbag, but such zippers often sustain damage when the airbag is deployed and are difficult to reassemble after use.
- an airbag compartment enclosure assembly may include a compartment containing an uninflated airbag and a closure device fixed proximate an opening of the compartment.
- the closure device may have an open position allowing expansion of the airbag through the opening and a closed position retaining the uninflated airbag.
- the closure device may include a first flap extending from a first edge of the opening and a second flap extending from a second, opposing edge of the opening. The first and second flaps may be folded over one another in the closed position.
- an airbag compartment enclosure assembly may include a compartment having an opening and a closure covering the opening.
- the closure may include a plurality of stacked folds of material having an effective stiffness, and the overall stiffness of the plurality of stacked folds may be selected such that the closure opens in response to inflation of an airbag contained in the compartment.
- an airbag carrier assembly may include a pack having a compartment sized to contain a deflated airbag.
- the pack may be configured to be worn on a back, waist, or otherwise securely connected to a user.
- the compartment may include an opening and a closure device having an open position permitting inflation of an airbag contained in the compartment through the opening to a space outside the compartment and a closed position covering the opening.
- the closure device may transition from the closed position to the open position by unfolding a flexible wall portion.
- Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative airbag compartment enclosure assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
- Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative avalanche safety airbag compartment enclosure assembly, with an airbag in an inflated configuration.
- Fig. 3 is an isometric top view of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly of Fig. 2, in a closed configuration.
- Fig. 4 is an isometric top view of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly of Fig. 3, in an open configuration, with an uninflated airbag.
- Fig. 5 is a sewing pattern for the front and back panels of the closure of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly of Fig. 3.
- Fig. 6 is a detail top view of the interior of the airbag compartment of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly of Fig. 3.
- Fig. 7 is a right side view of the closure of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly of Fig. 3.
- Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the airbag compartment of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly of Fig. 3, along line 8-8.
- an airbag compartment enclosure assembly having a closure device
- an airbag compartment enclosure assembly in accordance with the present teachings, and/or its various components may, but are not required to, contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein.
- the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed examples.
- the following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.
- an airbag compartment enclosure assembly may include a compartment configured to contain an uninflated airbag, the compartment having an opening with a closure device.
- the closure device may be configured to remain in a closed position, covering the opening, until an airbag contained in the compartment is inflated. At which point, the closure device may open to allow the airbag to exit the compartment and inflate completely.
- the closure device may include one or more flexible wall portions, folded and/or rolled to cover the opening of the compartment.
- Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative airbag compartment enclosure assembly 10.
- the airbag compartment enclosure assembly comprises an airbag 16, an inflation mechanism 18, and a wearable article 12 including a compartment 14.
- Airbag 16 may be contained in compartment 14 in an uninflated, deflated, or undeployed state. In an inflated or deployed state, airbag 16 may be substantially filled with gas, and the volume of airbag 16 may be larger than the volume of compartment 14.
- Inflation mechanism 18 may be contained in wearable article 12.
- Wearable article 12 may be any garment or pack, including a backpack, belt, wetsuit, vest, or jacket.
- wearable may be understood to mean securely connectable to a user.
- wearable article 12 may be securely connected to a user with one or more straps, by enclosing some portion of the user, and/or by fastening to a garment.
- Airbag compartment enclosure assembly 10 may be configured and/or used to protect a wearer or user in any appropriate situation against any relevant risks.
- airbag compartment enclosure assembly 10 may be used when skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, to protect against burial in an avalanche.
- airbag compartment enclosure assembly 10 may be used to protect a wearer or user against drowning when engaged in recreational activities on a body of water such as sailing, kayaking, or surfing.
- Compartment 14 of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly includes one or more flexible wall portions 20.
- the flexible wall portions may be described as defining an opening 22 in compartment 14, and/or as extending from compartment 14 proximate the opening.
- Flexible wall portions 20 may also be described as flaps, strips, and/or panels, and may be composed of fabric, plastic, and/or any appropriately flexible material.
- flexible wall portions 20 may be composed of a material matching that of adjacent portions of article 12 and/or compartment 14.
- Flexible wall portions 20 may each have a stiffened rim portion 24.
- the stiffened rim portions may be formed by treating edge portions of flexible wall portions 20 with a stiffening agent.
- stiffened rim portions 24 may be formed by embedding strips of plastic, metal, or other material into edge portions of flexible wall portions 20. All flexible wall portions 20 may include a stiffened rim portion, or only some of the flexible wall portions 20 may include a stiffened rim portion.
- a flexible wall portion may include multiple stiffeners or stiffened portions. The lengths and/or widths of corresponding stiffened portions may be equal.
- Flexible wall portions 20 collectively form a closure device 26, which is transitionable between a closed position and an open position.
- closure device 26 may be described as unrolling and/or unfolding. Such a transition may be initiated by inflation of airbag 16 by actuation of inflation mechanism 18, or performed manually by a user of airbag compartment enclosure assembly 10 to gain access to compartment 14 for maintenance or replacement of the airbag. That is, closure device 26 may be openable by two different methods. Closure device 26 may be configured to remain in the closed position unless intentionally opened by a user, or acted on by an inflation of airbag 16.
- closure device 26 may not cover opening 22 or may only partially cover opening 22.
- the closure device may allow airbag 16 to at least partially exit compartment 14 through opening 22.
- Flexible wall portions 20 may not impede inflation of the airbag.
- the closure device may also allow free-flow of atmospheric air into compartment 14.
- Flexible wall portions 20 may be described as unfolded and/or flattened and may not contact one other.
- flexible wall portions 20 When closure device 26 is in the closed position, flexible wall portions 20 may be folded and/or rolled to cover opening 22. Airbag 16, contained in compartment 14, may be prevented from exiting the compartment by the closure device. Flexible wall portions 20 may be described as folded to form a plurality of stacked folds of material. The flexible wall portions may be folded and/or rolled about stiffened rim portions 24. In some examples, flexible wall portions 20 may be folded or rolled at least once, twice, three times, or more, when the closure device is in the closed position.
- Rim portions 24 may be aligned with each other when closure device 26 is in the closed position.
- Corresponding and complementary hook-and-loop alignment pieces may be disposed on each of stiffened rim portions 24 to aid in aligning the rim portions while transitioning closure device 26 to its closed position.
- Alignment fasteners of any effective type may additionally or alternatively be disposed on stiffened rim portions 24.
- Stiffened rim portions 24 of flexible wall portions 20 may have a curved configuration when closure device 26 is in the closed position.
- the folded flexible wall portions and/or plurality of stacked folds of material may have a curved and/or arched configuration.
- the curved configuration may be concave relative to compartment 14.
- the curvature may be substantially the same as a curvature of a frame or structural element of article 12. The degree of curvature may be selected to provide a desired level of stiffness and/or resistance to inversion.
- Stiffened rim portions 24 may include end portions on opposing sides of a middle portion.
- the radius of curvature of the middle portion may be greater than the radius of curvature of the end portions.
- the middle portion may be substantially straight.
- the middle portion and the end portions may be substantially straight, and the middle portions may be connected to end portions by curved intermediate portions.
- Closure device 26 further includes connectors 28, such as straps, buckles, buttons, and/or clips.
- the connectors may be configured to hold or restrain the end portions of the folded flexible wall portions when closure device 26 is in the closed position.
- a connector may be coupled to each end of flexible wall portions 20.
- Each connector may be further coupled to a side of compartment 14 and/or an adjacent portion of article 12.
- Each connector may be coupled to an outer surface of the flexible wall portions.
- the connectors may comprise extended end sections of one or more of the flexible wall portions, configured for coupling to article 12.
- Connectors 28 may facilitate and/or support the curved configuration of stiffened rim portions 24. Such maintenance may be important to retain a selected degree of curvature and to thereby provide the desired level of stiffness, as discussed above.
- Connectors 28 may be configured to remain connected when closure device 26 opens in response to inflation of airbag 16. Connectors 28 may be manually operable to disconnect and reconnect. Disconnecting may include, for instance, separating fastener portions and/or releasing tension on a retaining strap. Such capability may facilitate opening of closure device 26 by a user of airbag compartment enclosure assembly 10. For example, a user may open the closure device to install airbag 16 in compartment 14. Such capability may also facilitate return of closure device 26 from the open position to the closed position after deployment of airbag 16. This may allow airbag 16 to be returned to compartment 14 after deflation, in preparation for redeployment.
- flexible wall portions 20 When a force is exerted on folded or rolled flexible wall portions 20 from within compartment 14, flexible wall portions 20 may begin to unfold and closure device 26 may begin to transition to an open position. The force may be provided by airbag 16 rapidly inflating. As closure device 26 opens, a curvature of stiffened rim portions 24 and/or folded flexible wall portions 20 may invert or flip. Connectors 28 may remain fastened throughout the transition.
- connectors 28 may be configured to break when closure device 26 transitions from the closed state to the open state. Such connectors may be replaced when preparing for redeployment of the airbag.
- closure device 26 may include a releasable fastener system configured to be actuated substantially simultaneously with inflation mechanism 18.
- the releasable fastener system may comprise a single fastener disposed on the middle portion of stiffened rim portions 24 and operatively connected to a manual ripcord actuator. Inclusion of a releasable fastener system may reduce the threshold value of force needed by airbag 16 to unfold folded flexible wall portions 20 and exit compartment 14.
- Closure device 26 may be configured to remain closed until the force exerted on flexible wall portions 20 from within compartment 14 achieves a threshold value.
- Properties of the closure device may be selected individually or in combination to tune the threshold value of force. For example, the stiffness, the size, and the degree of curvature of the stiffened rim portions may each have a relationship to the threshold value of force. For another example, the number of times flexible wall portions 20 are folded and the degree of tightness with which connectors 28 hold the end portions of the folded flexible wall portions may each have a relationship to the threshold value of force. Additionally, such properties may be interrelated. For instance, the degree of the curvature of the stiffened rim portions may be related to the degree of tightness with which connectors 28 hold the end portions of the folded flexible wall portions.
- Compartment 14 may also be configured such that closure 26 opens as desired in response to inflation of airbag 16.
- the interior volume and/or elasticity of compartment 14 may be related to the force exerted by the airbag for a given volume of inflation. Reducing the compartment volume may reduce the time and/or energy required before the threshold value of force is exerted by the airbag.
- the threshold value of force may be selected based at least in part on limitations on configurations of compartment 14 and properties of airbag 16 and/or inflation mechanism 18.
- enclosure assembly 1 10 is an example of airbag compartment enclosure assembly 10, described above.
- enclosure assembly 1 10 includes an upper compartment 1 14 of a backpack 1 12.
- An airbag 1 16 is shown inflated, with a central region anchored in compartment 1 14, as the airbag would be during use.
- Airbag 1 16 is also configured to be entirely contained in the compartment, when deflated and not currently in use.
- An inflation mechanism 1 18 is housed in backpack 1 12 and coupled to airbag 1 16.
- Assembly 1 10 may be designed and/or modified for use with any effective inflation mechanism 1 18, including mechanisms relying on compressed gas, atmospheric air, and/or a combination thereof.
- the assembly is shown with a Venturi mechanism, including a cartridge of compressed gas 130, a Venturi valve device 132, and a manual actuator handle 134.
- Cartridge 130 may be replaceable or refillable for repeated use, and is carried in backpack 1 12 separate from compartment 1 14.
- Venturi valve device 132 connects cartridge 130 to airbag 1 16, extending through a lower aperture in compartment 1 14.
- Manual actuator handle 134 may be disposed in a shoulder strap of backpack 1 12, or some other portion of the backpack that is accessible to a user while wearing the backpack. Pulling sharply on the handle activates Venturi valve device 132.
- airbag 1 16 may be folded and stowed in compartment 1 14. The airbag may remain stowed until deployment is desired, for instance in the event of an avalanche. At such time, a user or wearer of the backpack may use manual actuator handle 134 to activate Venturi valve device 132, which releases compressed gas from cartridge 130 to begin inflating stowed airbag 1 16.
- compartment 1 14 includes a top opening 122.
- Airbag 1 16 is inflated, the airbag may expand out through opening 122 to the fully inflated configuration shown in Fig. 2.
- Airbag 1 16 may be disposed partially or fully outside of compartment 1 14 when inflated, and may have any desired shape or configuration. Opening 122 also allows Venturi valve device 132 to draw in atmospheric air to supplement the compressed gas of cartridge 130 for inflation of airbag 1 16.
- atmospheric air may be supplied through an alternate intake and/or air may be drawn by another method such as with a battery powered fan.
- a user may deflate airbag 1 16 and re-stow the airbag in compartment 1 14 for re-deployment.
- Compartment 1 14 also includes a closure 126, shown in Figs. 3-4, which encloses, contains, and protects airbag 1 16 while the airbag is stowed and opens as the airbag inflates.
- Closure 126 has a closed configuration or position 136, shown in Fig. 3, and an open configuration or position 138, shown in Fig. 4.
- the closure is configured to remain in the closed position throughout normal use of backpack 1 12.
- Such use may include lifting backpack 1 12 by a handle mounted proximate closure 126, or by grasping any convenient portion of material of the backpack, including the closure itself.
- Such use may include rough handling during transportation, and exposure to strong winds when worn during high-speed skiing.
- Closure 126 may therefore be strong, secure, and/or tightly closed in closed position 136.
- Closure 126 is also configured to transition from closed position 136 to open position 138 in response to inflation of airbag 1 16.
- Venturi valve device 132 may be activated when the closure is in the closed position. Compressed gas from cartridge 130 may begin to inflate airbag 1 16, which may in turn exert pressure on the interior of compartment 1 14 and on the inside of the closure.
- the closure is configured to transition rapidly to the open position once the pressure exerted by the airbag, or total force on the closure, surpass a selected threshold.
- Enclosure assembly 1 10 may be used in high-risk scenarios, where failure of airbag 1 16 to deploy correctly may have drastic consequences. Consistency and reliability are therefore important features of closure 126. For example, in some situations, the closure may need to open reliably despite saturation with melted snow, or accumulation of ice. For another example, if too great a force is necessary to open the closure, a large quantity of compressed gas from cartridge 130 may be expended to inflate airbag 1 16 before the closure opens and Venturi valve device 132 begins to draw atmospheric air into the airbag. As a result, insufficient compressed gas may remain in cartridge 130 to fully inflate the airbag.
- backpack 1 12 is shown with closure 126 in open position 138, and with airbag 1 16 uninflated, folded, and stowed in compartment 1 14.
- a side of backpack 1 12 to which shoulder straps are fixed and which is proximal to a wearer when the backpack is worn may be referred to as a back side.
- An opposing side of backpack 1 12 which is distal to the wearer may be referred to a front side.
- an upper end, lower end, left side, and right side of the backpack may be determined relative to an orientation of the backpack when worn.
- the terms back, front, upper, lower, left, and right may also be used to describe directions in the context of the backpack, and may be similarly understood even when the backpack is not worn.
- Compartment 1 14 is located at the upper end of backpack 1 12, proximate the back side of the backpack.
- top opening 122 arches from a left end of the compartment to a right end of the compartment.
- a curved back edge of the opening is defined by a frame of backpack 1 12.
- the dimensions and/or shape of opening 122 may depend on dimensions of airbag 1 16, and/or design of backpack 1 12. Adequate space for rapid expansion of airbag 1 16 may be a key consideration.
- Closure 126 includes a front panel 120 and a back panel 121 fixed to compartment 1 14, along top opening 122.
- a proximal edge of back panel 121 is fixed along the curved back edge of top opening 122.
- a proximal edge of front panel 120 is similarly fixed along a curved front edge of top opening 122.
- Compartment 1 14 is also fixed to backpack 1 12 along the front back edges of top opening 122.
- the panels and compartment may be sewn together, unitary, and/or connected in any sufficiently strong manner.
- Front panel 120 and back panel 121 are flexible and can be folded and/or rolled.
- the panels are composed of a nylon fabric and lining that is also used to form a majority of the exterior of backpack 1 12. Any sufficiently durable and flexible material and/or materials may be used, which may be selected based on a desired stiffness or other properties.
- the material of the front and back panels may be the same or different, and may be selected to achieve a desired strength or stiffness of closure 126.
- Each of the front and back panels has three free edges, including a distal edge. At the distal edge, each panel includes a stiffened rim.
- Front panel 120 includes a stiffened rim 124 and back panel 121 includes a stiffened rim 125.
- the stiffened rims 124, 125 may each comprise a strip of material sewn into a folded hem of the panel, as described in further detail in reference to Fig. 5, below.
- the rims may also be stiffened by bonding a stiffening strip to the panel, treating a portion of the panel with a stiffening agent, and/or any effective means.
- Stiffened rims 124 and 125 may be of matching shape and dimension.
- Each stiffened rim 124, 125 includes alignment fasteners 140.
- the alignment fasteners include two strips of hook and loop material. That is, rim 124 of front panel 120 includes two strips of hook material and rim 125 of back panel 121 includes two correspondingly disposed strips of loop material.
- alignment fasteners 140 may hold stiffened rim 124 in alignment with stiffened rim 125, in order to facilitate accurate folding of the front and back panels.
- Hook and loop fasteners may be susceptible to changes in closure strength due to repeated use, weather conditions, and/or buildup of debris such as dirt or snow.
- Alignment fasteners 140 may be located inside the folds of closure 126 in the closed position, as described further below. Such location may protect alignment fasteners 140 from the influence of weather or debris. To help prevent any change in the strength of alignment fasteners 140, due to repeated use, from influencing an overall closure strength of closure 126, the alignment fasteners may be selected to have a minimal or limited closure strength relative to other factors determining the overall closure strength of closure 126. That is, alignment fasteners 140 may be just strong enough to facilitate alignment, without changing the effective strength of closure 126.
- Closure 126 further includes a pair of end straps 128, with one strap disposed at each of a left and a right end of the closure.
- each end strap includes a snap-fit buckle and a fixed-length section of nylon webbing.
- a female portion of each snap-fit buckle is fixed to front panel 120 proximate to the proximal edge and a left or right edge of the panel.
- Each length of webbing is connected to the male portion of one of the snap-fit buckles at a first end and fixed to backpack 1 12 at a second end. Any combination of straps and/or fasteners appropriate to achieve equivalent function may be used, as described further in reference to Fig. 7 below.
- front panel 120 and back panel 121 extend laterally away from opening 122.
- Front panel 120 extends forward, and back panel 121 extends back.
- Front panel 120 and back panel 121 are not directly connected, and may be described as coupled only through the connection of each panel to compartment 1 14.
- Alignment fasteners 140 are unfastened. End straps 128 may or may not be fastened, depending on the method by which closure 126 was opened, as described in further detail with reference to Fig. 7, below.
- top opening 122 is uncovered, allowing clearance for airbag 1 16 to expand through the opening.
- This configuration also allows for effective airflow into compartment 1 14 and the Venturi valve device.
- Front panel 120 and back panel 121 provide a wide mouth for closure 126, which may facilitate a rapid transition from the closed position to the open position in response to inflation of airbag 1 16.
- backpack 1 12 is depicted as unworn.
- open position 138 may be somewhat modified by the wearer.
- back panel 121 may rest against the neck and/or shoulders of the wearer and the back panel may extend more vertically than laterally.
- the flexible material of back panel 121 may also allow back panel 121 to fold or crumple up. In either configuration, top opening 122 may be uncovered, and ample clearance for airbag 1 16 allowed.
- a user may begin by ensuring that end straps 128 are unfastened.
- the user may then lift front panel 120 and back panel 121 and bring stiffened rims 124 and 125 into contact, aligning the stiffened rims and engaging alignment fasteners 140.
- the user may fold the stiffened rims over toward the back of backpack 1 12, repeating the fold three times in total. With each fold, or roll, material of front panel 120 and back panel 121 may be gathered to form a plurality of stacked folds of material. Stiffened rims 124 may act as a guide for correct size and placement for each fold. Once folded, the user may fasten each end of closure 126 with the corresponding end strap 128.
- Such folding may be familiar to a user as similar to simple roll-top closures on bags or backpacks, allowing easy use without need for instruction in correct operation.
- closure 126 may be configured to fold tightly and exactly the pre-selected number of times. Stiffened rims 124, 125 may guide the user as to the correct folds, such that closure 126 is correctly placed in closed position 136 and appropriately configured for subsequent airbag deployment. Accurate placement and tightness of folds may be important for tuning of closure 126, and therefore important for correct airbag deployment.
- front panel 120 and back panel 121 are folded tight against compartment 1 14 and backpack 1 12, over top opening 122.
- the folded front and back panels are generally indicated at 142, and may also be described as stacked folds, and/or a roll of material. Folded panels 142 conform to the arch of top opening 122, and are tight against the frame of the backpack along the back edge of the opening.
- Folded panels 142 are fastened at a left end and a right end by end straps 128.
- End straps may be described as holding, restraining, or compressing the ends of the folded panels.
- End straps 128 may keep folded panels 142 tightly folded. End straps 128 may help to maintain the curved or arched configuration of the folded panels, conforming the ends of the folded panels against the sides of compartment 1 14 and backpack 1 12. End straps 128 may facilitate maintenance of closed position 136 during normal use of backpack 1 12.
- a user may open closure 126 from closed position 136 to open position 138 in two different ways.
- the user may manually open the closure.
- the closure may be opened in order to make regular checks on the status of the enclosed airbag and/or to perform maintenance.
- To manually open closure 126 the user may first unfasten end straps 128. The user may then unfold folded panels 142, release alignment fasteners 140, and separate front panel 120 from back panel 121 .
- the user may also open the closure by triggering inflation of the enclosed airbag. For instance, the user may pull the manual actuator handle.
- Closure 126 may then be opened by the force and/or pressure exerted by inflation of the enclosed airbag, as described above and in reference to Fig. 8 below.
- Fig. 5 is a sewing pattern for front panel 120 and back panel 121 .
- Each panel includes two side panels, configured to cover left and right side portions of the top opening.
- Front panel 120 includes left and right outer side panels 144
- back panel 121 includes left and right inner side panels 146.
- FIGs. 6-8 when closure 126 is assembled on compartment 1 14, two side panels overlap at each of the left and right side portions of the top opening.
- an inner side panel 146 is interior and an outer side panel 144 is exterior.
- Side panels 144, 146 allow closure 126 to cover the full arched shape of top opening 122, while front panel 120 and back panel 121 remain primarily rectangular in shape to facilitate simple folding.
- Each side panel is fixed to the compartment along a bottom edge and one side edge.
- Outer side panels 144 are fixed along a front edge
- inner side panels are fixed along a back edge.
- closure 126 When closure 126 is in closed position 136, each outer side panel 144 and corresponding inner side panel 146 are fully overlapped.
- closure When the closure is in open position 138, each side panel folds away and corresponding panels only partially overlap.
- Outer side panels 144 fold forward and inner side panels 146 fold backward.
- overlapped side panels 144, 146 may protect the enclosed airbag, helping to insulate it from adverse exterior conditions and debris.
- the overlapped side panels may help closure 126 to open wide by folding out of the way, and avoid impingement of top opening 122.
- the side panels may be differently shaped, differently assembled, and/or omitted, depending on the shape of the top opening.
- front panel 120 and back panel 121 are indicated, each neglecting the depicted seam allowances. Also, a distal edge of each panel is indicated at 148, and a proximal edge of each panel is indicated at 150. Front panel 120 and back panel 121 have a matching width 152 along distal edges 148. In the depicted example, between distal edge 148 and proximal edge 150, each panel has a differing length 154. In some examples, the front and back panels may have similar or equal lengths.
- Stiffened rims 124 extend approximately the full width 152 on both front panel 120 and back panel 121 . Both stiffened rims have a matching length 156. In order to achieve a tight, repeatable set of folds in the closed position, each panel length 154 may be approximately a multiple of rim length 156. The panel length may be sufficiently more than a multiple to accommodate the turn radius associated with each fold. The number of folds may be selected to achieve a desired strength and/or stiffness of the closure.
- one of the two panels may have a length 154 approximately N times rim length 156 and the other panel may have a length approximately N+1 times the rim length.
- Which panel has the greater length 154 may be determined according to whether the closure is folded forward or backward.
- rim length 156 is approximately 1 .25 inches
- length 154 of front panel 120 is approximately 4 inches
- length 154 of back panel 121 is approximately 5.5 inches.
- the closure is configured to fold three times, toward the back of the backpack.
- each stiffened rim 124 includes a strip of polyethylene plastic board that is 14 inches wide by 1 .25 inches long by 1 millimeter thick. The two strips may be identical.
- Polyethylene is a good stiffener, as it is lightweight, tough, and resilient while retaining very similar dynamic properties for a wide temperature range. At such dimensions, the material provides a limited resistance to bending along its width and a high resistance to bending along its length. This allows stiffened rims 124 to curve along the top opening, while providing a clear guide for correct folds of front and back panels 120, 121.
- the resistance of the polyethylene does not change significantly in sub-zero temperatures or other such environments, allowing the closure to perform consistently across those environments.
- Strength of the closure may be tuned by varying the properties of stiffened rims 124. For instance, spring steel may be substituted to increase the strength, or a thinner polyethylene board may be used to decrease the strength. Any stiffening, stiffeners, or combination thereof providing the desired response to bending along length and width may be used, including materials sewn to or into the front and back panels, materials bonded to the panels, quilting, and/or treatment with a stiffening agent.
- Fig. 6 shows the interior of compartment 1 14, through top opening 122, with closure 126 in open position 138.
- the compartment is limited in size, and may fully accommodate the airbag without additional space.
- compartment 1 14 has a volume of approximately 2 liters.
- Compartment 1 14 is generally rectangular in shape, with rounded corners.
- Top opening 122 extends across the top of the compartment, arching down to approximately half the depth of the compartment on each of the left and right sides.
- each anchor point 158 against a back wall of compartment 1 14 are two anchor points 158.
- An additional two anchor points are disposed at the left and right sides of the compartment.
- Anchor points 158 are configured for connection of the airbag, to keep the airbag attached to backpack 1 12 through the inflation process and while the airbag is in use.
- each anchor point, the connection of the anchor point to compartment 1 14, and the connection of compartment 1 14 to backpack 1 12 may be sufficiently strong to resist forces applied by inflation and a subsequent lift through avalanche debris.
- each anchor point is a ring of folded nylon webbing sewn into an edge seam of compartment 1 14, and reinforced with additional stitching.
- the airbag connects to the anchor points with metal snaps that fasten through the central opening of the ring.
- the airbag is removable.
- the airbag may be permanently fixed to the backpack. For instance, a seam, a tab, or other portion of the airbag may be sewn into compartment 1 14.
- compartment 1 14 Changes in the volume of compartment 1 14 may be undesirable. For instance, use of materials with significant elasticity may allow the compartment to expand under pressure. Alterations in volume may in turn alter the force exerted on closure 126 by the airbag from inflation by a given volume.
- compartment 1 14 includes two perpendicular strips of reinforcing material 160. The strips extend centrally across the compartment, and are configured to provide additional structural strength and reduce elasticity of the compartment.
- Compartment 1 14 may be formed of any appropriate material or materials, and may be located anywhere on backpack 1 12 that deployment of the airbag is desired.
- the compartment may include additional features or properties configured to facilitate a particular airbag design and/or inflation mechanism.
- compartment 1 14 may include two or more separate sub-compartments housing multiple airbags configured to deploy simultaneously.
- the airbag is inflated using a Venturi valve device, as described above.
- compressed gas is used to form a siphon that draws in atmospheric air to fill the airbag.
- good airflow to the valve device is desirable.
- debris entering the valve device and/or or the airbag with the air may be undesirable.
- compartment 1 14 is made primarily of a mesh material, which both allows air flow and serves as a filter for the valve device. Air may be drawn in through the walls of the compartment, while snow, sand, dust, and other debris are filtered out.
- compartment 1 14 also includes a mesh sleeve or pocket 162, fixed over an aperture in the bottom of the compartment.
- the pocket is configured to receive an upper portion of the venturi valve device, with a lower portion of the valve device extending down through the aperture to connect to the compressed gas cartridge.
- Pocket 162 includes a zipper, allowing a user easy access to a release valve on the Venturi valve device, for deflation of the airbag.
- Fig. 7 shows the right end of closure 126, including end strap 128.
- the closure is depicted in closed position 136, with folded panels 142 covering the top opening and fastened end strap 128 holding the right end of the folded panels against backpack 1 12.
- the left end of the closure and left end strap 128 may be understood to be matching, and similarly configured.
- end strap 128 includes a snap fit buckle 164 and a length of webbing 166.
- Buckle 164 is of a commonly used style, typically allowing adjustment of the length of a strap threaded through a male portion of the buckle. However, in the present application, the length of end strap 128 is not adjustable.
- a first end of webbing 166 is sewn into a seam of backpack 1 12.
- a second end of webbing 166 is threaded or looped through buckle 164, and also sewn into the seam of backpack 1 12, fixing the length of end strap 128. In some examples, the second end may be doubled back and sewn onto the webbing, or fixed to buckle 164. .
- Each time end strap 128 is fastened, folded panels 142 may therefore be held with the same strength and/or tightness against backpack 1 12. As a result, the strength and/or tightness of closure 126 may be consistent and repeatable.
- the fixed length of end strap 128 may be selected in order to achieve a desired strength and/or tightness of closure 126. Selecting the length of end strap 128 during design and testing of backpack 1 12 may provide a simple, low-cost way to tune closure 126 to a desired pressure and/or force threshold. Fixing the length of end strap 128 may prevent accidental, unintended, and/or untrained changes to the strength of closure 126 by a user of backpack 1 12.
- End strap 128 may be configured to hold the end of folded panels 142 tightly, while still allowing a twist in webbing 166.
- the female portion of buckle 164 is inverted.
- webbing 166 may need to twist in order to permit the inversion of fastened buckle 164. That is, when closure 126 opens in response to an inflation of airbag 1 16, end straps 128 may remain fastened and webbing 166 may twist to open position 138.
- end straps 128 may be described as connecting an exterior or outer surface 143 of folded panels 142 to backpack 1 12.
- the outer surface may also be described as a last fold of folded panels 142.
- Buckle 164 is approximately centered on outer surface 143, at the end of folded panels 142.
- the buckle may also be disposed toward a laterally outer edge of the last fold. End straps 128 may thereby secure a full lateral extend of the end of the folded panels against backpack 1 12.
- Any effective end straps and/or fasteners may be used to hold the left and right ends of folded panels 142.
- Fasteners that are operable at a wide range of temperatures, such as the depicted buckles, may be desirable.
- the end/straps and or fasteners may be able to withstand repeated fastening and unfastening without significant change in fastening strength.
- the end straps and/or fasteners may hold folded panels 142 in an arched position, but may twist, turn, rotate or otherwise permit inversion of the folded panels as part of a transition to the open position when a selected pressure and/or force threshold is reached inside the compartment.
- the end straps may also be releasable by a user, allowing folded panels 142 to be unfolded to manually open the closure.
- Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of compartment 1 14, as taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 3, with closure 126 in closed position 136.
- the plurality of stacked folds of material of folded panels 142 can be more clearly seen, with a proximal portion of back panel 121 immediately covering top opening 122.
- Stiffened rims 124, 125 are toward the middle of the stack, and a proximal portion of front panel 120 is outermost.
- a force 168 on the closure due to internal pressure resulting from inflation of the airbag.
- the force acts from inside compartment 1 14, on an inner-most layer of folded panels 142.
- force 168 also increases.
- Closure 126 is tuned such that when force 168 reaches a selected threshold value, the closure will transition rapidly to the open position.
- folded panels 142 may flip up, or invert in curvature. Webbing 166 of end straps 128 may twist, without breaking or releasing buckles 164. Folded panels 142 may further unfold as the airbag continues to inflate and force 168 continues to act on the inside of closure 126. The alignment fasteners may release, and front panel 120 and back panel 121 may be separated from one another, into the open position. The airbag may then complete inflation unimpeded.
- closure 126 opens too easily, the airbag may become subject to snow, ice, sharp edges, and/or other sources of potential damage prior to deployment. If closure 126 is too difficult to open, too much of the energy stored for the inflation mechanism as compressed gas or battery power may be wasted before the airbag is able to exit compartment 1 14. Therefore, precise tuning of closure 126 may be important.
- closure 126 may be selected and/or modified to tune the closure to a selected threshold value of force 168. These properties include, but are not limited to: the degree of curvature of folded panels 142 and/or stiffened rims 124, 125; the stiffness or flexibility of the material of stiffened rims and/or front and back panels 120, 121 ; the number of layers and/or folds of folded panels 142; and the tightness of end straps 128, which may also be described as the length of end straps 128 relative to the distance between the first end of the strap and the adjacent left or right end of the folded panels.
- Closure 126 may be configured to be effectively binary in nature. That is, the closure may open sufficiently rapidly, when the threshold value is reached, that the time spent in transition is negligible. For instance, closure 126 may be configured to open in less than 1 second, or less than 1 ⁇ 2 second. The closed position and open position may be described as clearly distinct, and the closure may be configured to transition completely to the open position every time the airbag is inflated.
- An airbag compartment enclosure assembly comprising:
- closure device fixed proximate an opening of the compartment, the closure device having an open position allowing expansion of the airbag through the opening and a closed position retaining the uninflated airbag, the closure device including:
- first flap extending from a first edge of the opening, and a second flap extending from a second, opposing edge of the opening; wherein the first and second flaps are folded over one another in the closed position.
- A1 The enclosure assembly of A, wherein the closure device is configured to unfold from the closed position to the open position in response to an increase of pressure inside the compartment.
- A2 The enclosure assembly of either A or A1 , wherein the closure device is tuned to unfold only when the pressure exceeds a selected threshold.
- A3 The enclosure assembly of any of A to A2, further comprising;
- A4 The enclosure assembly of any of A to A3, further comprising a backpack including the compartment.
- A5. The enclosure assembly of any of A to A4, further comprising a pair of fasteners coupled to the compartment and configured to restrain first and second opposing ends of the folded first and second flaps against the compartment in the closed position.
- A6 The enclosure assembly of A5, wherein the closure device is configured to unfold from the closed position to the open position without releasing the fasteners.
- A7 The enclosure assembly of any of A to A6, wherein the folded first and second flaps are curved from a first end to a second end in the closed position, matching a curve of the second edge of the opening.
- A8 The enclosure assembly of any of A to A7, further including an inflation mechanism extending into the compartment and connected to the uninflated airbag.
- A9. The enclosure assembly of any of A to A8, wherein the first and second flaps are folded over three times in the closed position.
- each of the first and second flaps includes a stiffened rim portion.
- An airbag compartment enclosure assembly comprising:
- a closure device covering the opening, including a plurality of stacked folds of material having an effective stiffness; wherein the overall stiffness of the plurality of stacked folds is selected such that the closure device opens in response to inflation of an airbag contained in the compartment.
- B1 The enclosure assembly of B, wherein an interior volume of the compartment is selected such that the closure device opens in response to an inflation of the airbag by a predetermined volume.
- B2 The enclosure assembly of either B or B1 , wherein the stacked folds of material are made up of a first flap and a second flap folded over one another.
- B3 The enclosure assembly of B2, wherein the first and second flaps are folded over three times.
- B4 The enclosure assembly of any of B to B3, wherein the plurality of stacked folds of material is arched.
- B6 The enclosure assembly of any of B to B5, wherein the plurality of stacked folds is held in an arched position by a strap at each of a first and a second end, and the closure device is configured to open without releasing the straps.
- B7 The enclosure assembly of any of B to B6, wherein the plurality of stacked folds of material includes a stiffener.
- An airbag carrier assembly comprising:
- a pack including a compartment sized to contain a deflated airbag, the compartment including:
- a closure device having an open position permitting inflation of an airbag contained in the compartment through the opening to a space outside the compartment, and a closed position covering the opening;
- closure device transitions from the closed position to the open position by unfolding a flexible wall portion.
- C1 The airbag carrier assembly of C, wherein the pack is part of a garment.
- C2. The airbag carrier assembly of either C or C1 , wherein the pack is a backpack having shoulder straps.
- C3 The airbag carrier assembly of any of C to C2, wherein the flexible wall portion has a stiffened rim portion.
- a method of deploying an airbag from inside a compartment comprising: unrolling a flexible wall portion of the compartment, and allowing an inflating airbag to at least partially exit the compartment through an opening defined by the flexible wall portion.
- a method of containing an airbag inside a compartment comprising: deflating the airbag,
- the compartment having a closure device including a flexible wall portion defining an opening to the compartment, and
- a method of preparing an airbag for emergency deployment in an avalanche comprising:
- a pack including a compartment and a mechanism for connecting the pack to a human body, the compartment having a closure device including flexible wall portions defining an opening configured to allow the airbag to inflate to a space at least partially outside the compartment,
- the different examples of the airbag compartment enclosure assembly described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for storing and deploying airbags. For example, illustrative examples described herein allow consistent and reliable deployment of an airbag over time and after repeated usage. Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein allow effective containment of an airbag prior to deployment, and also provide ample air flow and clear egress for the inflating airbag during deployment.
- illustrative examples described herein allow deployment of an airbag without damage to the airbag compartment enclosure assembly.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201762568489P | 2017-10-05 | 2017-10-05 | |
PCT/US2018/054749 WO2019071225A1 (en) | 2017-10-05 | 2018-10-05 | Airbag compartment enclosure assembly |
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EP3691759A1 true EP3691759A1 (en) | 2020-08-12 |
EP3691759A4 EP3691759A4 (en) | 2021-10-20 |
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EP18865204.4A Pending EP3691759A4 (en) | 2017-10-05 | 2018-10-05 | Airbag compartment enclosure assembly |
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EP (1) | EP3691759A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2019071225A1 (en) |
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EP3691759A4 (en) | 2017-10-05 | 2021-10-20 | Dakine IP Holdings LP | Airbag compartment enclosure assembly |
CA3078543A1 (en) * | 2017-10-09 | 2019-04-18 | Beijing Mks Research Institute | Rapid inflating and discharging device for protective suit and intelligent multi-purpose protective suit comprising same |
EP3517180B1 (en) * | 2018-01-26 | 2021-12-29 | Ortovox Sportartikel GmbH | Carrying device for an avalanche airbag system |
DE102019110303A1 (en) * | 2019-04-18 | 2020-10-22 | ADVENATE GmbH | Avalanche airbag system |
DE102022122822A1 (en) | 2022-09-08 | 2024-03-14 | ADVENATE GmbH | Protection system to protect a person |
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- 2018-10-05 EP EP18865204.4A patent/EP3691759A4/en active Pending
- 2018-10-05 WO PCT/US2018/054749 patent/WO2019071225A1/en unknown
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US11034419B2 (en) | 2021-06-15 |
EP3691759A4 (en) | 2021-10-20 |
US11708138B2 (en) | 2023-07-25 |
WO2019071225A1 (en) | 2019-04-11 |
US20220001967A1 (en) | 2022-01-06 |
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